Electronic tube structure



May 26, 1959 c. TAYLOR 2,883,590

ELECTRONIC TUBE. STRUCTURE Filed Sept. 13, 1954 lNVENTOR CHARLES L. TAYLOR HIS TOR EY.

United States Patent-*Ofiiee 2,888,590

top-cap sealed to and'extending through the tube envelope. The top-cap is formed to provide means for efiecting a more secure fastening of a connector fitted 2,888,590 on the cap.

5 For a better understanding of my invention reference ELECTRONIC TUBE STRUCTURE may be had to the accompanying drawing in which: Charles L. Taylor, Owensboro, Ky., assiguor to General Fig. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of an electronic Electric l i p Of New York tube with the envelope partially broken away to illustrate a preferred embodiment of my invention; Application September 13, 1954, Serial No. 455,531 Fig. 2 is a fragmentary exploded perspective View 9 Claims. (Cl. 313-299) illustrating the cathodeshielding structure;

Fig. 3 is: an enlarged fragmentary sectional view illustrating my invention in more detail and a manner in which the electron beam may be distributed over the My invention relates to, electronic tubes and pertains interior of the anode; more particularly to new and improved means adapted Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 44 in for increasing the lives and operatingefiiciencies of elee- Fig. 3 and looking in the direction of the arrows; tronic tubes. Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary detail view illus- In some electronic tubes, such as high-voltage regutrating the connector-securing means provided on the topl'ators, the electrons travel in a beam or stream from the cap; and cathode to the anode. Often, due to the particular con- Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in figurations of corona shields and other devices in the Fig. 5 and looking in the direction of the arrows. tubes, the beam is caused to converge on or concentrate Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown an electronic tube at particular portions of the anode, resulting in localof the high-voltage regulator type generally designated ized hot spots. Such hot spots have the elfect of short- 1. The tube 1 includes an envelope 2 and a base 3, both ening the life of a tube and decreasing the operating of which are made of suitable insulative material. The cfiiciency thereof. Additionally, in some tube strllcenvelope 2 includes a glass header or stem portion genetures such as high-voltage regulators electrical connecerally designated 4 which, inaccordance with the custion to the anodeis made by means of a connector fitted tomary practice, is formed separately of the upper or on a conductive top cap suitably sealed in the tube en,- bottle portion of the envelope and is suitable sealed at velop. To insure continued good electrical connection its periphery to the open end of the bottle thereby to to the anode it is desirable to provide means for insuring complete the envelope. The stem 4 isformed to include a secure fitting of the connector to the top cap. a plurality of circularly arrayed pins or leads 5 which Accordingly, an object of my invention is to provide, extend through and are suitably sealed in the glass porin an electronic tube including means adapted for eftion .of the stern. In a manner not shown, the lower fecting an electron beam between a cthode and anode, ends of the leads 5 extend into and are suitably elecnew and improved means for increasing the life and opertrically connected to prongs 6 mounted in the base 3 in ating efiiciency of the tube. an array correspondingto thatof the leads 5. The base Another object of my invention is to provide, in an 3 additionally includes a central bayonet plug for facili electron tube including means adapted for effecting an tating proper orientation and insertion of the tube in a electron beam between a cathode and anode, new and tube socket. improved means for avoiding localized hot, spots on the Supported atop the stem 4 is a cathode and grid mount anode. structure generally designated 7. As better seen in Figs.

Another object of my invention is to provide, in an 2 and 3 the mount 7 includes a rectangular box-like electronic tube including means adapted for effecting an; structure 8 which shall hereinafter be referred to simply electron beam between a cathode and anode, new and as the box 8. The box 8 comprises a member 11 formed improved means for distributing the beam substantially of a conductive material and bent to provide the bottom equally over the surface of the anode. I and two ends of the box 8. The two sides of the box- Another object of my invention is to provide, in an S comprise substantially rectangular plates 12 of mica electronic tube including means adapted for effecting or some other similarly insulative material. The end an electron beam between a cathode and anode, new portions of the member 11 comprising the box ends are and improved means for distributing the beam in a coneach fabricated at the side edges thereof with laterally trolled predetermined manner over the surface of the extending tabs 13. The tabs 13 extend through suitable anode. apertures in the plates 12 for holding the box structure Still another object of my invention is to provide a intact and for being welded to stem leads 5 disposed at new and improved electronic tube top-cap including diagonal corners of the box 8 in the manner shown in means for insuring secure fitting of an electrical con- Fig. 2. Thus the box 8 is suitably supported on the nector thereon. I stem. Additionally, for a purpose which will be de- Further objects and advantages of my invention will scribed in detail hereinafter the member 11 is electrically become apparent as the following description proceeds connected to the leads to which the tabs 13 are welded. and the features of novelty which characterize my in- Mounted in the box 8 by having its ends fitted in and vention will be pointed out with particularity. in theextending through suitable aligned apertures in the inclaims annexed to and forming part of this specification. sulative side plates 12 is a cathode sleeve 14. The

In carrying out the objects of my invention I provide. cathode sleeve 14 contains a heater element or filament a tube structure including an anode and a shielded caththe ends of which are designated 15 and are suitably elecode. The means for shielding the cathode is provided trically connected to an appropriate pair of leads 5. Also with an aperture for directing an electron beam from the mounted in the box 8 in the same manner as the cathode cathode to the anode. Disposed in the path of the beam sleeve 14 and straddling the cathode sleeve is a first pair is means for spreading the beam in a predetermined of grid support rods 16 and a second pair 17 which stradmanner thereby to eifect control of the beam and a predles the first pair. The first or inner pair of grid rods determined distribution of the beam on the .surface of 16 provides support for a first grid 18 comprising a plug-i the anode. The anode is electrically connected to a rality of' turns of suitable grid Wire. The second pair of grid rods 17 provides support for a similar second grid designated 19. In a manner not shown an outer end of one of the inner pair of grid rods 16 is welded to an appropriate one of the stem leads'5 and one of the grid rods 17 is similarly welded to another one of the stem leads 5, thereby to provide for electrical connection to the grids.

The cathode sleeve 14 is provided with an elongated tab 29 which extends and is electrically connected to one of the stem leads 5, thereby to provide for electrical connection to the cathode.

Provided for fitting over the box 8, in the manner shown in Figs. 1 and 3, is a shield 22 formed of any suitable conductive shielding material. The shield 22 is caplike in construction and includes a downwardly extending skirt portion 23. As seen in Fig. l, the skirt portion 23 of the shield 22 is formed to include pendent tabs 24. The tabs 24 are disposed diametrically opposite and are secured, as by welding, to the two leads 5 to which the tabs 13 of the member 11 are welded, thereby to provide support and electrical connection for the shield 22 over the box 3 and with the skirt portion 23 thereof extending downward beyond the bottom of the box. The top or end portion of the shield 22 is provided with an aperture 25. Thus, except for the area defined by the aperture 25, the cathode 14 is completely shielded by the cap-like shield 22 and the metal member 11. Accordingly, when the cathode 14 is rendered emissive, as by energization of the filament contained therein, and suitable accelerating potentials are applied to the second grid 19 and the anode 27, electrons are caused to emanate from the cathode and grid mount 7 comprising the box 8 and the shield 22 in a beam or stream, indicated by the dash lines designated 26 in Fig. 3.

Provided for receiving the beam of electrons is a tubular or cylindrical anode 27. The anode 27 is opened at the lower end for receiving the electron beam and is closed at the upper end. Additionally, the upper end is suitably secured, as by welding, to a cylindrical top-cap 29. The top-cap 29 is sealed in the top of the envelope 2 and thereby the anode 27 is supported in the envelope with the mouth or open end thereof spaced above the shielded cathode. The cylindrical top-cap 29 is provided with a plurality of apertures 28 to reduce heat conduction from the anode 27 to the glass seal between the envelope 2 and the top-cap 29, thus preventing excessive thermal strain in the glass. Additionally, the top-cap 29 is formed to include an annular depression or groove 30, the purpose for which shall be described in detail hereinafter.

Now with particular reference to Figs. 1 and 3, it will be seen that if the apertures 25 in the shield 22 were alone relied upon for directing the electron beam 26 into the cylindrical anode 27 it would have a focusing efiect on the beam. Such a focusing effect on the beam would cause the beam to converge on or be concentrated at a particular portion of the anode 27, such as the central portion of the top or end of the anode 27 indicated by 32. It will be understood that such concentration of the beam 26 would have the effect of causing a localized hot spot in the anode at 32 which would be undesirable from the standpoints of tube life and operating efi'iciency. Thus, it is desirable to provide means for distributing the beam 26 and, therefore, the effect thereof over the internal portion or surface of the anode 27, thereby to avoid any localized hot spots. To accomplish this I have formed the shield or cap 22 to include a member 31 in the aperture 25. The member 31 is formed to include radially extending portions which are each approximately .020 in width. The member 31 may be formed integral with the cap 22 and planar with respect to the bottom portion of the cap in the manner shown in Figs. 1 and 3 or may alternatively comprise wires, pieces of strip material or any similar elements suitably secured to the assasao 4 cap so as to extend in a crisscross manner over the aperture 25.

The member 31 is disposed in the path of the beam 26 and is effective for substantially spreading or diverging the beam in the manner illustrated in Fig. 3. That is, the member 31 is effective for so spreading the beam 26 as to cause the electrons comprising the beam to strike the internal surface of the anode 27 in a pattern substantially like that shown in dot and dash lines in Figs. 3 and 4 and designated 33. It will be seen that by varying the width, height and configuration of the extending portions of the member 31 the member 31 may be rendered effective for distributing the beam 26 in a controlled predetermined manner over the inner surface of the anode 27 whereby localized hot spots and the deleterious effects thereof may be avoided.

As pointed out above, the member 31 need not be formed integral with the shield 22 but could be formed as a separate member and suitably secured in place in the path of the beam 26. It is to be further understood that while I have shown the member 31 as comprising four portions extending radially at intervals, my invention is not limited to this particular arrangement of beam spreading means. The member disposed in the path of the beam 26 could comprise any number of portions extending at various desired angles and could be of any desired configuration. The member 31 could be shaped to provide any desired pattern configuration thereby to provide any desired predetermined beam distribution in the anode 27.

It will be seen still further that while I have shown my invention adapted for distributing an electron beam in a cylindrical anode 27, my invention is not limited to use with cylindrical anodes. It is equally applicable to tube structures including flat or disk-like anodes. Additionally, my invention is not limited to the particular cathode shielding arrangement shown and described. In practicing my invention it is sufiicient that the cathode be shielded and an aperture be provided for directing an electron beam or stream toward an anode.

As seen in Figs. 1, 5 and 6, and as pointed out above, I have formed the top-cap 29 to include means for securely fitting thereon a connector 34 adapted for having a lead line 35 electrically connected thereto. The topcap 29, as shown, is formed to include a reduced cylindrical intermediate portion which as shown may comprise the peripheral depression or groove 30. Thus the bottom of the groove is substantially transversely elongated and straight and the connector 34, which may comprise a plurality of turns of a resilient wire, when fitted on the cap will become seated in the groove 30 whereby the connector 34 will be securely fitted on the cap 29 and all of the turns of the connector will make satisfactory contact with the top-cap until the end portions 36 of the connector are compressed for releasing it from the cap. It will be seen that by the provision of the groove 30 unintended removal of the connector 34 from the cap 29 and unsatisfactory electrical connections are avoided.

While I have shown and described specific embodiments of my invention, I do not desire my invention to be limited to the particular forms shown and described, and I intend by the appended claims to cover all modifications within the spirit and scope of my invenion.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In an electronic tube, an anode, a cathode, means interposed between said anode and said cathode and adapted for directing a beam of electrons from said cathode toward said anode, and crisscross elements disposed in the path of said beam in spaced relation to said anode and cathode for spreading said beam and thereby distributing the effect thereof on said anode.

2. In an electronic tube, an anode, a cathode, a shield interposed between said anode and said cathode and in cluding an aperture adapted for directing an electron beam toward said anode, and a member including a plurality of cross portions disposed in said aperture for spreading said beam and thereby distributing the effect of said beam on said anode.

3. In an electronic tube, an anode, a cathode, a shield interposed between said anode and cathode, said shield comprising a cap-like element fitted in spaced relation over said cathode and having an aperture therein for directing an electron beam toward said anode, said element carrying means disposed in the path of said beam for spreading said beam thereby to distribute the effect of said beam on said anode.

4. In an electronic tube, an anode, a cathode, a shield interposed between said anode and cathode, said shield comprising a cap-like element having an aperture therein for directing an electron beam toward said anode, said element including a plurality of crossing portions disposed in said aperture thereof for substantially spreading said beam and thereby distributing the effect of said beam on said anode.

5. In an electronic tube, a tubular anode, a cathode disposed adjacent an open end of said anode, a shield interposed between said anode and said cathode and including means adapted for directing an electron beam into said anode, and means disposed in the path of said beam effective for substantially spreading said beam thereby to distribute the effect of said beam over the internal surface of said anode.

6. In an electronic tube, a tubular anode, a tubular cathode extending transverse the longitudinal axis of said anode adjacent an open end of said anode, a shield interposed between said anode and cathode, said shield comprising a cap-like element having an aperture therein for directing an electron beam into said anode, said element including means disposed in said aperture effective for substantially spreading said beam thereby to distribute the effect of said beam on the internal surface of said anode.

7. In an electronic discharge device, an anode, a cathode, a box-like structure containing said cathode and being open on one side, a shielding element including a portion interposed between said anode and the open side of said box-like structure, said portion including an aperture adapted for directing an electron beam toward said a anode, and a plurality of elongated elements carried by said shielding element and crossing each other over said aperture effective for spreading said beam and thereby distributing the efiect of said beam on said anode.

8. In an electric discharge device, a tubular anode including a cylindrical inner surface, a box-like structure including oppositely disposed insulative walls and an open side facing an open end of said anode, a cathode mounted between said insulative walls of said box-like structure, a cathode-shielding element including a portion interposed between said anode and the open side of said boxlike structure, said portion including an aperture for directing an electron beam into said anode, and crisscross elements disposed in the path of said beam effective for substantially spreading said beam and directing the electrons comprising said beam to a substantial area of said cylindrical inner surface of said anode.

9. In an electric discharge device, a cylindrical anode, a box-like structure having an open side facing an open end of said anode, a cathode and control electrode mounted in said box-like structure, and a cap-like cathode shield fitted over said box-like structure in spaced relation thereto, said shield including a skirt portion extending beyond the sides of said box-like structure and a bottom portion interposed between said anode and the open side of said box-like structure, said bottom portion including an aperture for directing an electron beam longitudinally into said anode, said bottom portion further including a plurality of elongated portions extending in the same plane thereas and crossing each other at right angles in said aperture for substantially spreading said beam and distributing the electrons comprising said beam in a predetermined manner over the internal surface of said anode.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,035,623 Sukumlyn Mar. 31, 1936 2,044,618 Livingston June 16, 1936 2,079,163 Gardner et al. May 4, 1937 2,171,490 Dalpayrat Aug. 29, 1939 2,206,954 Hergenrother July 9, 1940 2,250,647 Miller July 29, 1941 2,608,186 Hudson Aug. 26, 1952 

